There is a lot of information on lightweight backpacking, but tend to be mainly American. My gripe with these sites is all the measurements are in imperial. I know some of you out there still use it, but i defy any of you to tell me what the volume of your rucksack is in cubic inches (unless you're American or have an American Pack). Still, there are some useful information on there, despite this little pet hate of mine.
If you visit some of the sites then you'll notice that some of these people are absolutely obsessed with lowering pack weight. They try and get a workable weight of "5lbs" somewhere in the region of 2.5 kilos or even less. Take one look at the equipment they use, and you'll soon realise that what they suggest would barely work in the UK, perhaps only in high summer. What i'm trying to suggest on these pages is not the ultralightweight principles of taking a binliner to sleep in (hands up who think I'm joking? Because I'm not), but a pointer to how I've lowered my own pack weight and perhaps how i can lower it further (which often costs money, and is sometimes free). It would be good to add pages by other people, explaining what they carry and how much it weighs. There is also a link to a little program, Backpacking Gear Weight Calculator, that allows you to log all your equipment weights and just tick the ones you take on a trip to work out the weight. I have put a few files compatible with this online so people can compare gear lists.
Some of this might sound extreme, but when you realise that little items like keys, wallet and other things you'd not think of, can weigh as much as a couple of days' food (or more), it starts adding up. Often it is just a case of leaving things behind, such as taking one pan instead of 2, or eating out of the pan instead of carrying a plate. The most obvious place to lose weight is in your big 3 of Tent, Sleeping bag and Rucksack. I'll add the kitchen to this as well, as in total this can easily weigh more than one of the other 3, but will discuss that elsewhere.
1. Tent. This is something you'll have to throw money at. Often, cheaper tents weigh more. The ultimate lightweight tent is the Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that tips the scales at 960g and the bank balance by 235. This is light, and there are compromises. The size inside is claimed to be enough for 2, but that's pushing it. I use it's heavier brother, just called the Laser (1.3kg), and it's spacious inside for 1 person. I have some gallery pages here, that give you a feel for the tent. The compromise is that i don't feel too safe inside in strong winds, and the new lighter Competition is hardly going to be significantly stronger - however it was recently taken on a winter round of the munros so it has to be quite strong. If you are willing to compromise on weight, then without doubt, the most praised tent is the Hilleberg Akto (at around 1.6kg). This is much sturdier, and is suitable for all year use. Small price to pay for 300g I think. It is significantly more expensive however, at about 300.
If you have less money, then there are bargains to be had. Such as the EurekaSpitfire Solo, at 1.6 kg and less than 100. There was even a tent available from Argos, but no longer available, that retailed for 30 and was reduced to 5. It was sturdy and weighed in at 2kg, and people raved about it. Unfortunately, the tents Argos tents now sell are not to this standard and I would not recommend them for backpacking. Incidentally, the original Argos ProAction 1 (the same name in new catalogue, but the new one is no more than a play tent) can be bought from e-bay for about 30-50, which shows how much it is valued. Just make sure you get the proper, original PA-1 tent which is double skinned.
Further weight can be lost by the use of tarps and / or bivvy bags. Personally, I don't think the weight gained is significant if you use both, over the tents mentioned above. Especially when you take into account British weather. It's an interesting option, perhaps a good weathered bivvy for a 2 day long walk could be a good idea, especially if you take cold food and remove the need for a stove and pans. As a proud new owner of a Rab Survival Zone, I intend to try the bivvy method out on a couple of summer walks.
2. Sleeping bag. In winter I use a Mountain Equipment Classic Dragon 750 (02/03 Season), it's down filled and good to -12C, and unavailabe now but the Classic 750 is similar. It also weighs 1.3kg, about the same as my tent. In winter, the weight is perfectly ok, it is a warm and comfortable bag. But I do find it a little tight around the chest, and I'm not too sure on that. If it does feel restrictive, I can always invest in a Freedom Baffle which zips in and gives extra space around the chest (well done ME, excellent idea!). However, in summer you're carrying around a bag that's far too warm. Odds are that you might not go camping when the weather gets to -12C, so you need something a little lighter and more suitable. There are many sub kilo bags that keep you warm to just below freezing. Rab Quantum, PHD Miniimus and Cumulus Ultralight all offer suitable bags, but after much deliberation I went for the Alpkit Pipedream 400. It is of similar weight (770g) to what RAB and PHD offer, but it is significantly cheaper at 100 including postage. It also has a half length zip, useful for us less nimble types to get in (and out) and for venting. It's been comfortable for the couple of nights i have tested it so far, but most sleeping bags are snug for an XL body. Alpkit also do a Pipedream 600 that's good for winter, and a couple of budget Alpine Dream bags as the Pipedream was so popular, they've sold out.
Most people feel the need to use a sleeping mat. If I'm not camping on rock then I find i'm OK. I do have a cheap foam mat that I use when the weather is cooler however, and as i get older I might find the comfort of a Thermarest ProLite 3 short at 370g worth every gram. But at around 60, it isn't cheap. Instead, i decided to dip my toes in the water with an Alpkit (yep those guys again) WeeAiric for 15. This weighs about 450g, and so only 80g of a weight penalty over the much more expensive Thermarest. In winter, i use an Exped Down mat, which weighs a full kilo, but is oh so luxurious! If used with a top bag in summer, may be comprable in weight to my usual system, only be infinately more comfortble.
3. Rucksack. Again, i'm not too sure on the exact model i was using, other than it was a Karrimor and heavy (2.4kg). So this has now been replaced by a OMM Mountain Mover 50 15, (previously Kimmlite) which weighs only 1.15kg. It can be pared down to 700g by removing the back pad and straps too. I have removed bits from it, and have managed to reduce the weight to 900g. I reckon you need to at least remove the lid to get near 700g, and perhaps even the hip padding. Some sources have suggested you cut off the hipbelt! I find that 900g is OK, and removing the pockets and mesh pocket on the back would remove too much functionality for my liking. It is a comfortable pack, but has not been used to backpack yet, only a couple of winter walks. I've been too busy trying to slim it down. I like the large pockets on the hipbelts that are good for food and your printed map and compass. What I really don't like is the string used to close the pack, when webbing and a buckle would be the obvious choice. I liked it so much, i added a 32 litre OMM Classic Mountain Marathon to my growing rucksac collection which works really well for a lightweigh overnighter in summer. There are even lighter packs by likes of Go-lite, sometimes down to about 400g (the Breeze), the Gust , at just under 600g appears most practical and did appeal, but it does look like a sack of spuds, and lacks useful pockets on the outside. Recently spotted the Golite Trek Pack which looks as if it would do the job, but I was unaware of it until now. The Gregory G Pack is also worthy of consideration at 1.3kg.
Summary.
Aim for a tent that weighs no more than 2kg per person (1kg is good!).
Try and get a summer bag that weighs no more than 1kg, and it will ideally serve you for sub-zero temps too (up to -5).
Rucsacs are heavier than you think, try and keep it well below 2kg, ideally below 1.5.
So a realistic max target weight for the big 3 is 4.5kg. Try and keep below this, mine come in at 3.9kg with scope to lower this to 2.8kg with a new sleeping bag and the rucksac minimised in weight.
This article originally appeared on www.walkeryri.org.uk
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